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RISPER GENGA OHAGA
CFO, EABL
The role of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is pivotal in steering a company towards sustainable growth and profitability, providing the strategic acumen necessary for navigating complex financial landscapes. Risper Genga Ohaga has embodied this role with distinction at East African Breweries PLC (EABL).
As Group CFO and Executive Director of EABL, a subsidiary of Diageo PLC, she has been a key player in the leading beverage company in Eastern Africa, guiding the organisation through challenging financial waters and towards a promising future.
Since February 2020, Risper has been at the helm of EABL’s financial strategy, working alongside the Group Managing Director (MD), the Board, and the Executive team. Her leadership in matters finance has been instrumental in navigating EABL through a challenging economic environment marked by significant foreign exchange losses and inflationary pressures.
Risper’s role encompasses overseeing both the financial performance and strategic direction of the company. Despite navigating various market challenges, EABL has maintained strong growth across its regional markets. This is clearly reflected in the company’s financial results for the full year ending 30 June 2024, which showcase increased sales in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Risper’s journey to the C-suite is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and diverse experience. Her career began at KPMG in September 1999, where she worked as a Senior Manager for over nine years. This early phase was crucial in shaping her understanding of finance and auditing, providing her with a strong foundation in financial reporting and corporate governance. She credits KPMG with instilling in her the strong values and work ethic that have defined her professional journey.
In December 2008, Risper transitioned to Barclays Bank (now Absa Bank Kenya PLC), where she took on the role of Regional Director for East and West Africa in Internal Audit. Here, she was responsible for overseeing operations in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, and Tanzania. Her role expanded as she moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, in November 2011, to serve as Director of Africa Internal Audit for Barclays Africa Group. In this capacity, she was tasked with auditing retail and business banking across 12 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt. Her responsibilities grew further when she was appointed Managing Director (MD) of Barclays Internal Audit for Africa Retail and Business Banking in January 2014, where she led audit delivery for 13 countries across the continent.
Risper’s international experience broadened her understanding of diverse financial systems and regulatory environments, preparing her for her subsequent role as CFO of Barclays Bank Zambia from November 2015 to February 2020. During her tenure in Zambia, Risper was instrumental in enhancing financial performance and operational efficiency, reinforcing her reputation as a capable and strategic leader.
In addition to her executive roles, Risper has made significant contributions to corporate governance through her various board positions. She currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at I&M Bank and holds a similar role at APA Insurance, where she also chairs the Board Audit and Risk Committee. Additionally, she is a Director at Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) and UDV Kenya, both subsidiaries of EABL. Her past experience includes a tenure on the board of Barclays Bank Zambia.
Risper earned a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Accounting from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA-K), a credential obtained from Strathmore University. Recently, she furthered her expertise by completing the Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme at the University of Oxford in the UK.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Risper is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact on society. She frequently shares her insights and experiences at various events, including her recent keynote address at the Strathmore Business School Chief Finance Officers Roundtable. During this event, she reflected on her career, inspiring the next generation of finance professionals and underscoring the pivotal role of education in shaping her career trajectory. Her journey in finance began with a scholarship from Strathmore Business School, which allowed her to pursue her passion at the age of 18. This opportunity marked a significant turning point in her life, setting her on a path to success and making a profound difference in her personal and professional development.
It is also worth noting that Risper was the guest speaker at the ICPAK Americas Chapter webinar, where she discussed the DNA of a successful CFO. The webinar, held on the evening of 19th September 2024, attracted 900 attendees.
Risper’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognised as one of the Top 40 under 40 Kenyan Women by Nation Media Group (NMG) in 2011, 2012, and 2014, a testament to her influence and accomplishments in the finance sector.
Outside of her professional life, Risper is a devoted wife to Peter Ohaga and a loving mother to three daughters. She enjoys travelling, is an avid reader, and dedicates her time to mentorship and volunteering, demonstrating a well-rounded and fulfilling personal life.
